The Girls!

Summer 2005, Wisconsin

Spring 2010, Chicago

Spring 2011, Arizona... stay tuned!

Guess what she's signing!

"Don't bring anything home!"

These were the wise words of my dad before I left for today's trip to the pet shop nearby. He knows me and pets.

I was headed to a "meet & greet" for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan just down the road. These are greyhounds who have retired from racing, some after a few races or a few years, and now have 'no use'.

From what I've previously read and now following on from conversations with owners of these scrawny creatures and having "met and gret" some of the dogs, I'm convinced that someday you'll see Vanessa skipping down the trails of West Michigan with one of these strange looking but extremely well-mannered pensioners.No, I didn't come home with anything - not even a small anything... this time.

AAVPAA

Ladies and Gentlemen, We would like to draw your attention to the smiling brunette to the left of this text.

Her name is Vanessa Lynn Lake, date of birth 21 August 1979 and current resident of Grandville, Michigan.

We are delighted to announce that this ever-so-delightful young woman has been offered the full-time position of Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

Yes, of course, she accepted!!

YIPPEE!

Staying Orders

"Auntie Vanessa, You stay there!"

I've been given strict instructions from this kid:that I'm not to leave before the 31st of May when he brings his mom and sister to Michigan for a family visit.

"Yes, sir!"

Kin's Contusions

Remember when you were a little kid and loved bumping down stair-by-stair at your grandparents' house?

Remember clambering back up the steps and doing it over and over again, never thinking that actually this should be a painful activity?

When you are 4 years old bouncing down a flight of stairs allows for hours of entertainment. When you are 60 years old this allows for hours in the Emergency Room.

Just ask my mom.

Not to worry all is well with my dear mother - apart from an extremely sore dupa (pronounced doo-pah) for weeks to come, and a very eventful day, which my dad, mom and I hope never will be repeated.

Pickyourchurch, USA

This is my short 1.7 mile (2.74 km) walk from my parents' house to the local public library.
It's a quite straightforward and pleasant walk. Low traffic and friendly people.

My Friday library walk had a photo-theme:

Grandville Baptist Church

Grandville Protestant Reformed Church

St Pius X Catholic Church

Grace Bible Church

Bethel Lutheran Church

Grandville United Methodist Church

First Reformed Church

Did you notice my theme? Amazing, eh?
I swear I didn't wander from the path!!

Woes of the Workless

I've only been officially unemployed in Michigan for 3 1/2 days and perhaps I should be enjoying the unexpected holiday and bask in the lazy glow of responsibilitilessness. But I have this bug which is pinching me to get on with finding activities to give me something to look forward to when I wake in the morning.

Realising that the employers for whose jobs I've applied have yet to recognise the great addition I would make to their workforce, I decided to move forward to see what the state of Michigan could offer someone in my situation.

Thinking that I could have a minimal income during these weeks and possible months of waiting for a job, I decided to look into filing for unemployment benefits. However, because I've not worked in Michigan before, I'm ineligible.

Thinking then that I could help my parents out a bit with food consumption I looked into applying for a special Michigan debit card (a Bridge card) which allows an unemployed person to purchase food (even seeds for growing gardens!) up to a certain amount per month. However, because I live with my parents I'm again ineligible.

Ah, but not to worry! My parents are happy to feed me and I'm happy to eat their food whilst on the job hunt. And I remain in good spirits about what the future may present.

I've also begun exploring possibilities for volunteering within the community and finding random free events for people just like me. This Saturday will be the first adventure, so stay tuned!

Michigan Math

Michigan - the US state with the highest unemployment rate




PLUS


Holland, Michigan - the US city with the happiest people



EQUALS



Many happy unemployed folk !




Welcome to my world !